It is common knowledge that smoking is bad for the body in so many ways, and it is especially dangerous to oral health. When vaping started to grow in popularity, so too did the misconception that this practice isn’t as bad as traditional smoking. The risks to your teeth, gums, and overall health by any type of smoking remains high. It’s time to learn why.
Vaping vs. Smoking
Anyone who chooses vaping because they think it might lower the chances of bad breath and stained teeth caused by smoking need to know that serious health consequences remain. Vaping is not a safer alternative to traditional smoking. Most vapor products do not contain tobacco, but they still have high levels of nicotine and other chemicals that can cause serious damage to teeth and gum tissue.
Side Effects of Vaping on Oral Health
Long-term effects of vaping are not fully known yet, but from a dentist’s perspective it is wise to err on the side of caution and avoid inhalants of any form or kind that can damage your teeth or the soft tissues of your mouth. Oral health and well-being are both negatively affected by vaping and smoking. Some of the most significant side effects include:
- Dry mouth. The propylene glycol in many e-cigarettes and vapes can cause chronic dry mouth. This lack of saliva is linked to mouth sores, increased cavities, and bad breath.
- Gum disease. People who vape are far more likely to experience gum disease compared to non-smokers. The vaping triggers and increases inflammation in the gum tissue.
- Tooth decay. A higher presence of bacteria is present for people who vape, especially in the crevices and pits of the teeth. This leads to cavities and the need for tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns, or other dental restorations.
- Oral cancer. Smoking is known to be a cause of oral cancer, a serious, life-threatening condition that is typically not caught early enough unless people visit their dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and undergo screenings. Vaping carries similar risks.
The Vaping Look Isn’t So Cool
If you’re thinking about how cool you look in a vape cloud instead of smoking a cigarette, think again. There is no escaping the enamel stains and tooth discoloration that develop from flavorings and aerosols over time. Sometimes, professional teeth whitening can brighten teeth, but other vape users find themselves with deeper stains that can only be corrected with cosmetic dentistry like porcelain veneers, crowns, or other procedures.
See Your Red Bank Dentist Regularly for Oral Health Care
Current smokers who switch to vaping may enjoy the benefits of vaping as a safer alternative, but vaping in general is not recommended for non-smokers, especially young people. Even if you visit your dentist regularly and stay hydrated, these efforts are not guaranteed to fully counteract the negative effects of vaping.
If you vape or smoke, see your Red Bank dentist Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell regularly for teeth cleanings and dental exams and for treatment of any developing oral health problems. Schedule an appointment and prioritize your dental care and health.
